UNDERSTANDING YOURSELF - UNDERSTANDING OTHERS

... INSIGHT ... means seeing clearly into the fundamental nature of reality

Have you ever thought about how you live your life and how you make decisions? While we’re all unique individuals we tend to fall into one of four general categories -- leaders, builders, actors, and artisans. While more sophisticated classifications of personality are available today, this more classic categorization will do for our purposes.

If life is like a grid, how does each personality category view it?

Builders

The builder sees the grid as a matrix with an unlimited number of rows and columns like an Excel spreadsheet. Data is entered into each square and then analyzed. There is no problem that cannot be solved with this method. These are the people who design and build things. . As students, because of the way their brain processes information, they frequently excel in math and science and find courses that require a lot of reading boring. These people typically have occupations like accountants, engineers, actuaries, cooks, construction and industrial workers. They are problem solvers and builders of things. They deliver goods and services.

Leaders

The leader sees the grid as a chessboard with all the pieces in place. The game is played by strategic moves to checkmate the competition. The object of the game is to win. These are people who build organizations. They are strong willed and independent thinkers. These people are typically entrepreneurs and have occupations like: business executives, government officials, military officers, athletes, or attorneys. They are the builders of the culture.

Actors

The actor sees the grid as a stage where they are the only character. They will sing, dance, and speak their part to influence the audience. They are communicators. These people have occupations like: actors, salesman, marketers, magicians, pastors, evangelists or music directors. They are change agents of the culture that make things happen and make life fun.

Artisans

The artisan sees the grid as a patchwork quilt with each square an array of contrasting or blended colors. The alignment of the patches creates lines that are pleasing to the eye. This arrangement makes the piece interesting. These are the creative ones who can think outside the box but lack organizational skills. These people care about others. They love animals. As students, because of the way their brain processes information, they frequently excel in English, the arts, and social studies courses but struggle with math and science. These people typically have occupations like: artists, musicians, architects, interior designers, councilors, chefs, nurses, and teachers. They are the people who enrich our lives.

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Leaders and actors are self-centered.
Artisans and builders are more concerned about others.

Leaders and actors are more assertive.

Builders and artisans are more passive.

Leaders and builders are fact-and-reason decision-makers.

Actors and artisans are intuitive and emotion decision-makers.

Leaders and builders are oriented toward things and ideas.

Actors and artisans are people-and-relationship oriented.

Leaders and builders are planners.

Actors and artisans take one day at a time.

Leaders and builders are more time orientated.

Actors and artisans are more events-orientated.

Leaders and builders want the world to be more prosperous.

Actors and artisans want to make the world a better place to live.

God has made us different for a reason. Each personality type sees the world differently just as each type saw the grid differently. Each personality type makes its own contribution to our life, our culture, and our world. No type is better. They are each different. Understanding how you think and how others think is a valuable life skill.